Hyperpolarized (129)Xe spectra from C6 glioma cells implanted in rat brains

Tumor cell density is dramatically different from normal tissue. Since the chemical shift of hyperpolarized (129)Xe reflects local cell structure, we hypothesized that the presence of tumor cells could potentially be determined from (129)Xe spectra. Spectra and washout decay rate from three rats implanted with C6 glioma cells were compared with eight control rats. No significant differences between normal and tumor spectra were observed. The decay time of the C6 rats (mean 13.5 ± 1.9 s) was not significantly different from normal rats (mean 11.7 ± 1.8 s). These results suggest that hyperpolarized Xe may not be a superior tracer for detection of tumor cells in the intact brain.